1688 for African buyers: How to find suppliers and make payments
Last update:
anja
Clare Shi
Author
Key takeaways
If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
With 1688, you can source products from China at wholesale prices—but only if you know the insider playbook. Here’s how to source from 1688 like a pro.
Sourcing from China has never been more accessible, thanks to 1688, the go-to wholesale platform for businesses looking to cut costs and scale fast. However, while 1688 offers incredible opportunities, it’s not exactly designed with international buyers in mind.
The website is only in Chinese and international payment options are limited. These hurdles can make sourcing from 1688 feel out of reach for global businesses.
With WorldFirst’s global payment solutions, businesses can overcome these challenges. It is the only authorised international payment provider for 1688.com, enabling you to pay suppliers directly at competitive exchange rates without needing a Chinese bank account or relying on risky third-party workarounds.
What is 1688.com?
1688 is China’s largest B2B wholesale marketplace, often referred to as Alibaba.com ’s domestic counterpart. Unlike international platforms like Alibaba or AliExpress, which cater to global buyers, 1688 is designed primarily for domestic Chinese businesses. But for international buyers willing to overcome a few hurdles, 1688 offers unmatched sourcing opportunities.
Benefits of sourcing from 1688.com
- Ultra-low prices: Domestic wholesale rates, with few middlemen and low markups
- Direct factory access: Connect with manufacturers and suppliers directly, reducing costs and increasing customization options
- Massive product variety: From electronics and textiles to toys and packaging, 1688 covers almost every product imaginable
However, there are also some big challenges that you’ll have to face when sourcing with China. The platform’s interface is entirely in Chinese, suppliers generally prefer RMB payments, and not many suppliers have experience in handling international shipping. But with the right approach, and the right payment solution, you can unlock its full potential.
Setting up for success on 1688: How to find the right suppliers and products
Here’s how to set yourself up for success on 1688.com:
A. Register your 1688 account
- Step 1: Access 1688 – Visit the 1688.com website
- Step 2: Create an account – Setup your 1688 account. Check the step-by-step guide for the entire process here
- Step 3: Verify your identity – Provide necessary information (business name, contact details, etc.) to verify your 1688 account and build credibility with suppliers
B. Find the right suppliers
- Search strategically – Use product keywords (in Chinese) and filter results by supplier ratings, transaction history, and business type (e.g., manufacturers vs. traders). You can use translation to find the correct keywords or reverse product image search to look for the exact products you need
- Check supplier credibility – Identify trusted suppliers by looking for key indicators such as the “诚” (Integrity) badge, or labels like “超级工厂” (Super Factory) and “实力商家” (Verified Merchant)
- Request product information – Don’t hesitate to ask for product samples, certifications, or customization options to ensure quality
How to make payments on 1688 as a African buyer
One of the biggest hurdles international buyers face when sourcing from 1688 is handling payments in RMB (CNY). Many suppliers on the platform prefer to use domestic payment methods like Alipay or WeChat Pay, which aren’t always accessible to buyers outside China.
Powered by WorldFirst, World Pay is the official cross-border payment solution of 1688.com. It allows you to pay suppliers in CNY or CNH securely and instantly, without needing a Chinese bank account. You get competitive exchange rates, real-time payment tracking, and full compliance built into every transaction.
Here’s how it works:
1. Open a World Account
Set up your World Account which lets you send and receive payments in 100+ currencies and hold funds in 20+ currencies, including CNH.
2. Convert funds
Convert the funds in your World Account into CNY or CNH at competitive rates.
3. Send payments directly to 1688
Once your World Account is set up and funded, you can pay suppliers on 1688.com through World Pay. Thanks to World Pay’s direct integration with 1688, payments to suppliers are fast, secure, and completely compliant with no middlemen or delays.
Most payments are completed within 1–2 business days and real-time tracking ensures full transparency at every step. World Pay handles everything in the background, so you can focus on building supplier relationships and scaling your business.
Ready to dominate sourcing from 1688? Sign up with WorldFirst today to streamline your payments and unlock global growth opportunities!
Continue reading
Subscribe
The Weekly Dispatch
Get the latest news and event invites. Signup for our weekly update from the worlds of fashion, design, and tech.
